88 Two Medals (1/2)

Bernadotte laughingly said to Tian Xing Jian, ”First Lieutenant, General Russell holds your talent in military affairs in high regards. The president and General Sergei Eisenstein had also wanted to see our Federation hero, thus I had requested you to come over and chat with everyone. Other than that…”

Bernadotte and General Sergei Eisenstein gave each other a look before Bernadotte laughed: ”In view of your contributions to the Federation, we wish to hear your opinions before we reward you and see if you have any requests.”

Tian Xing Jian became absent-minded for a moment as An Lei’s words floated in his mind once again.

”Tell me, why did you become a soldier?”

He, who had initially understood why he became a soldier, did not truly understand it now. Was it for rewards and promotion? Were these truly what he wanted?

If he wanted to rise up in the military, then once he reached a rank above major, according to the regulations of the Federation, other than physical or age problems, one could never retreat in times of war!

He thought of the bustling streets in Jialipalan once again. He truly wanted to spout out the word of ”resigning”; however, not knowing why or how, his mind suddenly flashed towards Father An, that father-like man whom he had disappointed very much.

Looking at the questioning look of the general, Tian Xing Jian shook his head: ”I have a question which I have yet to clarify, and this question has stumped me for quite a long time. I don’t really want any rewards or promotion, but if it is a must, then I hope it can just be a medal. What I want is for a period of leave, as I want to see a person in the capital.”

Everyone was startled. Disregarding the fact that this wasn’t the first time the first lieutenant gave such a weird request, was there truly someone in this world who did not like power, reputation, money, and status?

That was especially so when his contribution had been greater than everyone in the Federation! He was absolutely a military genius and the Federation’s rising star!

If he said that it was a coincidence that he saw through Russell’s plan the first time, then what about the second time?

As for the missions in the enemy’s rear—bringing more than 200 Federation soldiers and escaping after running for 500 kilometers or saving Russell from the hands of the Myth Legion—how many Federation soldiers could accomplish that?

What exactly was this military expert thinking? Why would they always feel that his heart was filled with contradictions? He had already received a Purple Insignia Medal of Freedom, was there even another medal more glorious than this?

Could taking a leave even be considered a reward? Don’t make others laugh! Even if it was a year or two, there would not be any problems with it!

Bernadotte, the president, and General Sergei Eisenstein looked at each other and hesitated for a moment.

The Federation truly needed a hero. From the start of the war, the President’s Office and the Supreme Headquarters had already crafted a plan of moulding a Federation hero, and this person in front of their eyes was absolutely the best possible choice for being that hero!

But as it happened, he was not willing to cooperate! He was seemingly against being a hero, one who would be looked up upon by millions. He was incompatible with war and these glories, so how would such a person cooperate with the propaganda? If he was forced, he might just be denounced as being counterfeit goods!

The president bitterly laughed. Such a person was a military genius and a hero, but hearing how Bernadotte had talked about how this person, who was so afraid of death that he begged for mercy, had led others to not know whether to laugh or cry. However, if not for this point, Bernadotte would not have sent him to the frontlines and he would not have established such an unfathomable meritorious service.

The propaganda department had spent a huge amount of effort in disseminating information without restraint on those young people who had some result and contribution, but these people were too far off from a real hero of Federation, and some of them had merely achieved those things because of luck. If their fortune was bad, then they might just die after going onto the battlefield!

No matter what, they could not give up. Whatever issues there are must be resolved! This mysterious company commander—this mysterious military genius—had already roused the mood of the audience. There was no need to propagandize him; all they needed was to announce his name and it would incite an uproar!